NJ Cannabis Insider 2023 Awards: Breakout Business of the Year winner revealed

Founded by Suzan C. Nickelson, Holistic Solutions is a medicinal and recreational dispensary, originally licensed from the 2019 round of New Jersey state cannabis applications.

Holistic Solutions made history in February 2023, when it became the first Black-owned medical cannabis store to open in New Jersey — a ribbon cutting ceremony coincided with Black History Month.

The South Jersey dispensary, at 451 White Horse Pike in Atco in Camden County, made history again this year after opening for adult-use consumers on May 6. The dispensary features women- and BIPOC-owned cannabis brands, such as Miss Grass and But-A-Cake.

A company is nothing without a strong leader, and Suzan — a mother of three who is of Jamaican and Taino descent — aims to revolutionize the current industry through Holistic Solutions by providing quality, affordable cannabis, along with education and wellness services, she said. As a female entrepreneur in a male-dominated industry, she’s become someone of a folk hero to other women business owners.

“It’s about intentionality, perseverance and resilience,” she told an audience at a recent NJ Cannabis Insider business networking event. “Don’t let anyone mansplain anything to you. Because women in this space, sometimes we’re not taken seriously, and we’re not given what we deserve.”

Earlier this year, she advocated for her employees to form a union, an agreement that ensures everyone at the store grows together. Team building is something that Suzan puts a high value on, she said.

“Having a cohesive team has been very critical in being able to deal with the highs and lows in the cannabis industry,” said said. “Everyday it’s a constant pivot.

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